To promote the growth or development of something; to encourage or nurture. verb
The teacher's role is to foster a love of learning in her students.
The organization aims to foster economic development in rural areas.
To bring up a child that is not one's own by birth, typically in a temporary arrangement. verb
They decided to foster a child while waiting for the adoption process to be completed.
The couple has fostered several children over the years, providing them with a loving home.
Relating to the care of a child in a temporary home, as opposed to adoption. adjective
She grew up in the foster care system and had many different families.
The foster parents attended training sessions to better understand the needs of the children.